Revitalization of Ismail Marzuki’s songs to increase Generation Z’s appreciation toward the 20th century Indonesian national composers

Abstract

This research focuses on the revitalization of songs by Ismail Marzuki which is considered important as an effort to increase the appreciation of generation Z, towards Indonesian national composers of the early 20th century. The research problem is the revitalization efforts carried out by generation Z in several Ismail Marzuki’ songs. This research is qualitative using a case study method by exploring one case in a limited system. The subject of this research is some college students of Music Education Study Program and Music Study Program, FPSD, Indonesia University of Education (UPI). The research findings are the revitalization of several Ismail Marzuki’s songs to increase the appreciation of students as a part of generation Z is realized in music arrangements and performance. The evaluations of music arrangements and performance by Generation Z audiences show their appreciation toward the 20th Century Indonesian National Composers. The conclusion of this research is that students as a part of generation Z arranged several of Ismail Marzuki’s songs in the swing jazz style as a musical preference that is closely related to their previous musical educational background. Revitalization efforts are also manifested in music performance, which not only involve musical aspects, but also nonmusical ones. Musical arrangements that relevant to Generation Z characters as well as musical performances that collaborate musical and non-musical aspects have a significant impact on the Generation Z’s appreciation toward the 20th Century Indonesian National Composers.